Chicagoans pack parades, beaches on Memorial Day

CHICAGO (WLS) -- With perfect temperatures rounding out the long weekend, many flocked to parades and beaches in Chicago and surrounding suburbs on Memorial Day.

Chicago Police added over 1,000 patrols to North Avenue Beach for the long weekend in an effort to keep beachgoers safe. At least six people were transported to hospitals nearby for injuries or illnesses, the Chicago Fire Department said.

North Ave. Beach-# of victims transported to area hospitals, at least 6 this afternoon, appears to be separate incidents, sick or injured

Parade organizers read the names of 58 young men from the town who died serving the country and afterward.

The Arlington Heights Memorial Day parade is one of the largest in the Chicagoland area. The route was lined with hundreds of people cheering on the servicemen and women marching down the streets.

"The true meaning of Memorial Day all over our nation is to remember our fallen heroes, those service men and women that went off to service and died in the service of our nation," Greg Padovani, Veterans Memorial Committee, said.

There were several new additions to the parade this year including a Marine Corps League Mounted Color Guard featuring four mustang horses that are part of a therapy program to help Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

LONGEST RUNNING PARADE IN FULL SWING IN BEVERLY

Touted as Chicago's longest running Memorial Day parade, the Beverly Community Parade was back in full swing on Monday.

Scores of people were on hand to watch the Marine Color guard. The annual ceremony at Ridge Park also featured a 10K run.

The parade, which started in 1923, is sponsored by the Road Home Program, which provides resources to help veterans return to life back home after active duty.

The cemetery was adorned with hundreds of flags marking the gravesites of veterans. Don Seyller has been placing the flags for nearly 20 years.

DUPAGE COUNTY HOLDS WREATH-LAYING

On Sunday, a wreath-laying by Gold Star families was held in Wheaton during a memorial service honoring DuPage County residents who died in military conflicts. The event also featured a weapons salute by the DuPage Honor Guard.